Abstract
This paper proposes an architecture for machining process and production monitoring to be applied in machine tools with open computer numerical control (CNC). A brief description of the advantages of using open CNC for machining process and production monitoring is presented with an emphasis on the CNC architecture using a personal computer (PC)-based human—machine interface. The proposed architecture uses the CNC data and sensors to gather information about the machining process and production. It allows the development of different levels of monitoring systems with minimum investment, minimum need for sensor installation, and low intrusiveness to the process. Successful examples of the utilization of this architecture in a laboratory environment are briefly described. As a conclusion, it is shown that a wide range of monitoring solutions can be implemented in production processes using the proposed architecture.